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Reporting on issues of public interest, including government policies and legislation, and providing unbiased information to the public, made journalists worldwide subject to intimidation and violence subsequently depriving the public opinion from the fundamental right of seeking, and receiving impactful information. There is a dwindling space for freedom of expression, independent media and civil society.

In 2018, at least 34 journalists were killed while 256 were captured, making this era known for being one of the worst in history for journalists all over the world. Offenders are rarely brought to justice. Forced disappearances, arbitrary detentions, kidnappings, and other terrorizations are forcing journalists around the world to give up their work in the midst of the absence of effective safety trainings. The right of journalists to execute their work within a safe environments, without going through harassments, attacks and even being killed is a topic of supreme importance.

In addition, journalists frequently face uncommon psychological pressures and challenges when covering conflicts and crises. Interacting with victims and survivors can compromise their emotional and psychological wellbeing. Journalists hence need to build a professional “wall” between themselves and the victims, a thing they are not usually taught at university.  

Against this backdrop, and given the crucial need to expose fresh graduate and media students to an elaborate safety training, UNESCO Beirut partnered with May Chidiac Foundation’s  Media Institute (MCFMI) to provide training on “Safety of Journalists during Conflict and Potentially Dangerous Assignments” for 20 fresh graduates and students from the media departments in Lebanese universities.